The Nintendo 3DS is becoming more of a media device, which seems to be an indication of where future video game platforms are moving towards. In terms of Nintendo platforms, the Wii has Netflix streaming and Hulu Plus has recently become available as a free app for the system. (Each one requires a subscription to use, although you can stream on multiple devices once you are a subscriber to Netflix or Hulu Plus) The 3DS also has Netflix and Nintendo Video which downloads 3D video clips from different partners like CollegeHumor, 3Net, and Variety. By the end of this year, the 3DS will have Hulu as another media app available for download

Hulu Plus is currently being developed as an app for the Nintendo 3DS, and is slated to be available sometime before the end of the year. While other platforms have an app for Hulu Plus, I wonder if the 3DS app will just be for streaming content, or will it take advantage of the 3DS’ Streetpass and Spotpass capability?

If I might be allowed to speculate, I would say that the 3DS app should focus on streaming, but allow access to exclusive content for 3DS users with the Spotpass updates and Streetpass feature, regardless of whether they pay for a subscription. This way, not only will it give potential users another reason to subscribe, but it keeps you accessing the app consistently, which is really important in the longevity of Hulu Plus’ 3DS integration in my opinion.

At this time, there is no other information other than it’s announcement, so I guess we will have to wait and see. Either way, good to see the 3DS becoming versatile in delivering content to it’s users.